All-Weather Furniture Blog

Everything You Need To Know About Patio and Outdoor Furniture

Archive for August, 2008

All-Weather Furniture for Your Outdoor Space

 

By Melissa Ureksoy

The emphasis placed on outdoor design is truly in keeping with the times. We all need a place to relax and rejuvenate at the end of a long work week. We use our outdoor space to play with our children and pets, dine with friends or simply to relax with a book. No matter what your intention, you’ll need to consider many things before planning your outdoor space.

The first thing you should bear in mind is the main function of the space. You might want to set up an outside dining area or a poolside tiki bar. There are so many style options available today! Knowing in advance exactly how you intend to use the space will help tremendously when choosing a style of furniture. You’ll want to make sure you are buying all-weather furniture.

Whether you want to go with cast aluminum or all-weather wicker, there are many different varieties choose from. You can find everything from luxurious deep seating options with modern flair, to simple sling seating that will dry quickly around a pool area, or classic wicker that ranges in style from quaint and beachy to exotic and ethnic.

It’s important to choose furniture that suits the climate in which you live, as well as your personal taste. If you live in a humid climate or around salt water you would be better off to go with cast aluminum furniture with strap or sling seating, as cushions that stay damp tend to mildew. If you live in a cold weather climate where you will only use your furniture for a few months of the year you may wish to choose stackable chairs that can be stowed away for the winter. Wood furniture is beautiful, but also high maintenance. If you don’t want to keep up with the maintenance on a yearly basis, don’t go with wood.

You should make sure that the paint, decor and plants complement the feel of the furniture you choose. For instance, if you’re going for a casual beach theme, you may want to look for light colored all weather wicker with striped cushions, white or blue throw pillows and a blue, sandy beige and antique white paint scheme. Keep in mind the colors of the natural surroundings of the beach as you plan your design. You can add some sea shells and grow tall ornamental grasses around your seating area for privacy. For ambiance, place candles in glass hurricanes with sand and shells in the base . . . You get the idea!

Be sure to have the dimensions of your outdoor space handy when heading for the stores or shopping online. You should have plenty of room to move around your area without bumping into your guest’s legs, or worse yet, knocking them in the head with an hors d’oeuvres tray! I hope this helps you in your design planning and that you go forth and create your very own perfect outdoor space.

Below are some excellent articles that I believe will also help you when planning your space. I’ll be adding more as I find them. Cheers!

For more information check out my all weather furniture hubpage at http://hubpages.com/hub/All-Weather-Furniture

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More Informative Posts on All-Weather Furniture

Be sure to check out these links to other great informational sites about patio and outdoor furniture and outdoor space design.

  • Covent Garden Furniture - This website carries a wonderful selection of outdoor furniture and is highly recommended.
  • Adirondack All Weather Furniture - One Purchase You Won’t Regret - As more and more of us modify our bag into our exterior spaces, creating “outdoor rooms”, our choices in Adirondack exterior furnishings embellish more important. We countenance for furnishings that is comfortable, smart and sturdy. …

  • Using Wood Furniture For An Outdoor Life Style - Although useful, metal lawn furniture is not the best quality in appearance, but it is better than plastic. Not many people know the history behind the Adirondack furniture, people wanted quality and an all weather furniture for …

  • Rock And Water Features - Gardens with a gentle slope offer an ideal opportunity for constructing a natrual looking rock and water feature with perhaps a stream and small cascade. For ease of construction these features may have to follow the natural contours of …

  • Relax With Your Garden Furniture - There is a huge variety of outdoor and garden furniture that is available these days. Styles range from the very casual to the upscale and elegant. There are also many different types of materials from which outdoor garden furniture are …

  • All Weather Furniture - Excellent information about things to consider as you set up your outdoor space
  • HGTV.com Pleasing Patios - Fabulous photos of different outdoor spaces, patios and decks. If you’re looking for design inspiration, this is your site!

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Steven and Chris: Patio Furniture Video

Steven and Chris discuss many excellent decor options in their Patio Furniture Video. This is an informative and entertaining video that delves into all weather fabrics, cushion storage options, outdoor rugs and all sorts of other fabulous furnishings.Steven and Chris Discuss Patio Decor Options

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Deck Patio Furniture


By Peter Emerson

Deck patio furniture is the rage these days. People who have patios are becoming creative in the way they decorate them. A patio is a statement that carries inside living outdoors, and it allows homeowners a chance to unwind and enjoy the pleasures of their backyards. Most patios look out on to well manicured yards and the décor inside the patio compliments everything around it.

How you furnish your patio is according to your style and taste. Patio furniture is offered in many styles can be made of wood, wrought iron, cast aluminum, plastic, etc. They all bring a classic look to a patio and create a little bit of heaven for you and your home. Patio furniture includes tables and chairs, coffee tables, benches, swings and gliders and fireplaces. A basic purchase for a patio is matching table and chairs. When the weather is inviting, there is nothing like sitting on your patio and enjoying a meal. A point to consider when buying patio furniture is what climate you live in. If you live in a warmer climate, wicker or cast iron stands the heat quite well. If you live in a dry climate, rattan works very well and teak and cedar work in any climate. If you are going with cushions for your chairs, make sure the fabric is water resistant – vinyl is a good choice. And, don’t be afraid to go with bold colors. Colors add pizzazz to your patio and enhance the look of your backyard.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Emerson http://EzineArticles.com/?Deck-Patio-Furniture&id=274089

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Outdoor Living Made Easy

By Kirk Matthews

So you want to expand your indoor oasis to the great outdoors. Most of us have a room or corner of our home we consider to be our oasis. In this spot we can stare into space to daydream, or outdoors to admire the natural beauty. For some of us who have the luxury of some outdoor living space, we can expand that favorite spot to the great outdoors.

Who wants to be confined to the house when the weather is beautiful outdoors? What about entertaining? We want to entertain outside during the warm summer months. If you think like me, that means less cleaning. Even in spring and fall we can light an outdoor fire pit on cool evenings and enjoy longer outdoor entertaining seasons.

copper fire pit

Outdoor Living Comforts: Fire Pits to Topiaries

Small yards and patios are perfect for vegetable and herb gardens. So much can be done to create the illusion of more space as well as make it a comfortable spot to relax and entertain. A few examples are:

Hanging Baskets Window Boxes Ceramic or other odd conversation piece Outdoor Fire Pits or chimineas Topiary plants

These examples are great for adding depth to your outdoor oasis. Hanging baskets filled with moss and beautiful annuals will give your yard or patio a variety of color from year to year. Window boxes serve the same purpose. Just don t place them too close to your fire pit! That would create a fire that you just don t want to sit around!

Annuals only bloom during their growing season before the foliage dies. Subsequently, more have to be planted for the next growing season, which allows for color and variety. Vegetables and herbs can be planted in small spaces as well as in window boxes, or standing clay pots. A topiary adds shape and gives your space a whimsical flair. A couple of lawn chairs, your fire pit, music, and your favorite beverage, and you will be the envy of your neighbors.

Great Outdoors and a Rolling Landscape

If you have a large yard with back yard space, shame on you for not making the most of it! Homeowners with a lot of space have even more options. The idea is to create several cozy sitting areas for you, your family, and guests. Hammocks and swings add that relaxing or romantic place of tranquility. There are so many do it yourself ideas to choose from. A central focal point would be a good place to start. That focal point could be:

Koi pond with a bridge to enhance it Gazebo(s) Outdoor fire pit(s)

It would also be a great idea to devise a plan with your landscaper unless you are blessed with the do-it- yourself gene. Larger pieces of land will require 2 or more open fire pits for those cool evenings. A designated place for your garden as well as your annuals and perennials blooming throughout the year will prompt you to stop and smell the roses.

Whatever you end up doing, plan carefully so that your outdoor creation will feel like the comforts of home. Choose a fire pit with a design that reflects your taste, or a hammock that fits two. Your choices are limitless.
About the Author

Owner and operator of Premiere Web Stores specializing in outdoor living products. For more information on firepits or for more information on outdoor living products visit our stores and give us a call.

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Outdoor Patio Furniture Make Al Fresco Entertaining Easy

By Jennifer Akre

Having a few friends or family members over for a cookout or a bonfire is a wonderful way to spend a summer’s evening. Being prepared with the appropriate outdoor patio furniture is important to the successful outcome of your pleasurable evening, so be sure to follow some simple rules.

When entertaining outdoors, you will want your guests and yourself to be just as comfortable as you would be if entertaining inside your home. Cushions for patio furniture come in many colors and patterns to appeal to any taste. As continual sun exposure tends to fade colors over time, and insects may take up habitation in the seams of the cushions, it is helpful to have a cabinet as part of your outdoor patio furniture. It can be used as outdoor storage where cushions can be kept clean and bright when not in use.

Large umbrellas as part of your outdoor furniture will help to keep guests cool and shaded in the heat of a summer afternoon. Table umbrellas fold down easily when not needed, and have covers that can keep the colors protected from weathering effects.

At least one patio table in your outdoor patio furniture set is essential for gatherings of friends and family. A center table, similar to a sofa table, is handy to have within arm’s reach of all guests where snacks, foods and drinks can be offered. Several small accent tables will be helpful where individual drinks and snack plates can be placed. A patio table that does double duty for entertaining is one that includes a fire pit in the center. A circular pit is designed in the middle of the table that remains covered by a coordinating disc when only the table is in use. As the sun goes down and the night grows cooler, the disc is removed, firewood added, and instantly a romantic and intimate setting is created, with flames flickering in a close yet safe distance.

Seating options as part of your outdoor furniture for you and your guests are of paramount importance. Sets of patio furniture presently available are able to be added to over time if you either cannot afford the entire set at once, or if your needs should change over time. Begin your patio furniture set with a few chairs and possibly a bench or bench swing. Several folding chairs of similar design can be kept in reserve in your outdoor storage cabinet to provide additional seating if unexpected guests appear.

A beverage cooler in your outdoor furniture set will be an invaluable tool for you. To serve your guests icy cold drinks without continually going into the house, a beverage cooler should be kept close at hand on the deck or patio. This addition to your outdoor patio furniture will keep you where you want to be - with your guests.

Bring your friends and family members together for a memorable evening using your new patio furniture. The investment you make in outdoor patio furniture will be returned two times over in the value of good times.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Akre http://EzineArticles.com/?Outdoor-Patio-Furniture—Make-Al-Fresco-Entertaining-Easy&id=1241993

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